USCG OUPV (Six-Pack) Captain’s License

If you intend to carry paying passengers on a boat you first need to obtain a boat captain license from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) Captain’s License allows the holder to carry up to six paying passengers plus crew on an uninspected passenger vessel of up to 100 Gross Tons. Hence, it is more commonly known as the 6-pack captain’s license.

Uninspected passenger vessels are boats which are not required to be inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard. Examples of uninspected vessels include fishing/sailing charters and tour cruises.

Whether you qualify to operate a vessel inland, on great lakes and/or near the coast will depend on your boating experience as follows:

  • Your sea service must include at least 90 days of operating a vessel on great lakes to qualify for a license to operate on Great Lakes.
  • Your sea service must include at least 90 days of operating a vessel on the ocean or near the coast to qualify for a license to operate Near Coastal.

Click here for a list of maritime training academies and OUPV license courses.

Click here to find out how to apply for a USCG Captain’s License.

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